Dear Stranger – Thank You for Being Rude

You didn’t hold the door open even though I was RIGHT behind you (and yes I know you saw us) with an arm full of groceries and a three year old in tow. You butt in line in front of all those people who were patiently waiting their turn. You spewed foul language while you sat next to small children. You are rude. Plain and simple. And that’s ok. I don’t know your story. Maybe you weren’t thinking clearly, had other things on your mind. Maybe you really are just inconsiderate.

Why am I saying thank you for your lack of respect to me and/or others around you? Well, these are teaching moments. My daughter needs to learn that she can’t control everything that other people do. She needs to learn what rude looks like. What it sounds like. She needs to learn when to stand up and say something and when to just let things slide.

So, thank you for giving me so many opportunities to teach these lessons.